In the summer of 2018, 83 men's collegiate rugby players were invited to a week-long selection camp as they aimed to secure a place on the Collegiate All-Americans side.

The camp, led by CAA head coach James Willocks, was designed to filter the group to just 37 players, who were to then play an exhibition against the 2018 MLR runner-up Glendale Raptors. The boys spent the first two days doing skills and testing exercises, before being divided into four teams which were to each play one scrimmage on the fourth day.

60 players were chosen from D1A, a whopping 24 of which came from the Mid-South, while eight came from D1AA, seven from D2, and six from NSCRO.

Current St. Bonaventure and former Life University head coach Tui Osborne, current Houston Sabercats skills coach and former USA Eagle Paul Emerick, and current Life Men's Club head coach Blake Bradford filled out the assistant coaching roles, while Tom Kindley served as Strength and Conditioning coach, James Harrison as Performance Analyst, and Kevin McCory as Team Manager.

Rugby Rules 101: What Does "Ruck" Mean?

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For new players to the game of rugby, the concept of a "ruck" can be a tricky one to apprehend, as there is no other sport that involves rucking. However, once you've got a clearer picture of a ruck, also known as a "breakdown", it's a relatively easy thing to understand.

Premiership Rugby Eyes Mid-August Return

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Following the league shutdown due to coronavirus in March, the Gallagher Premiership looks set for a return to action on August 15th. One week ago, UK government officials announced that elite-level sports would be able to resume on June 1st behind closed doors.

The 5 Best Women's Rugby Shorts

Jun 4, 2020Alex Rees

Having a comfortable pair of rugby shorts can greatly impact one’s performance during training and games. When choosing shorts, you want to take into consideration the fit and the durability, especially if you’re going to be in the scrum. The last thing you would want is for your shorts to rip during a scrum because the fabric was not durable enough. In addition to the durability, you want to make sure the shorts are breathable and comfortable for tackling, running, and potentially kicking. If you’re in the market for a new pair of shorts, here are five different types of shorts that you can check out:

Rugby vs Soccer: Former SEC Soccer Player Compares The Two

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One of the great things about rugby is that it's a multi-skilled sport which lends itself well to crossover athletes. Particularly in a sports-mad country like the United States, we see tons of players seamlessly make the transition from other sports to rugby.

How To Throw A Great Rugby Pass

Jun 4, 2020Alex Rees

Throwing a great pass can carve up a defense unlike any other facet of the game in rugby. A well-timed, well-placed ball puts a defense under enormous pressure and causes fractures in the defensive line. As long as the ball is placed accurately, on time, and in a position that the receiver can catch the ball on the move without breaking stride, it doesn't matter what it looks like. Heck, if we're looking at football, think of Peyton Manning's passes. One of the best quarterbacks in the history of the game rarely threw a spiral, but he did tick the boxes of accurate, on time, and in stride.

Some Useful Rugby Passing Drills

Jun 3, 2020Alex Rees

Here is a quick, easy passing progression that will help you and your team sharpen your distribution skills and carve opponents up on the weekends. Even the best defenses in the world cannot defend near-perfect passing, so having the ability to run-catch-pass is one of the most lethal weapons in the book.

We Stand With You

Jun 2, 2020Ryan Holmes

The events of the last week have been tremendously painful to us all.

Rugby Drills That Keep Your Social Distance

Jun 2, 2020Alex Rees

As of June 1st, many rugby teams have been granted the option of getting together to conduct practice. However, the practices must adhere to the six feet social distancing rules and players are not allowed to use any equipment. Therefore, options for a practice plan are going to be extremely limited, but that doesn't mean you can't still get some good out of having the team together.

Bring Em Down: How To Tackle Big Guys In Rugby

Jun 2, 2020Alex Rees

For many of rugby players out there, especially us smaller ones, we're all too familiar with the sight of a large, rampaging big man or woman lined up across from us about to get the ball. Our fight or flight instincts kick in, and in that moment of instinctual reaction we dictate the likelihood that the tackle does or does not get made.

Step By Step Guide: How To Break Tackles In Rugby

May 29, 2020Alex Rees

One of the best ways to completely unhinge a defense is to beat your defender one on one with a step or a tackle bust. While not all of us can step like Cheslin Kolbe, we do all have the ability to break a tackle and get our team on the front foot. No matter your size, speed, or strength, you can always bust out of a tackle with some clever use of footwork and a trust in your balance.